Lisa Ramirez 2026 Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Lisa R. Ramírez is a dynamic educational leader and current Director of the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement at the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. She previously served as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Lubbock Independent School District and as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ramírez has overseen a wide array of programs to enhance educational access, especially for underserved communities. She has been instrumental in managing the Office of Migrant Education, where she directed key programs, including the High School Equivalency Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program. Her work has championed policy improvements and fostered collaboration across various educational sectors.

An accomplished author, Dr. Ramírez wrote Dulcified: Sweetened by the Education of Life, which earned the International Latino Book Award. She frequently shares her insights as a speaker and consultant, expanding the conversation on innovative educational practices. Dr. Ramírez is also featured in the short film “Told They Can’t,” narrated by Xolo Maridueña.

As a daughter of migrant workers and a former migrant worker herself, Dr. Ramírez's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. She began her career as an educator in 1992, ultimately ascending to leadership roles, including the founding Principal of the Ramírez Charter School, the first public charter campus in Lubbock ISD.

Dr. Ramírez holds an Ed.D., M.Ed., and B.A. from Texas Tech University and is a proud alumna of the Executive Leadership Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. A lifelong learner, she is also a Pahara-Aspen Institute Fellow. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Ramírez enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and enjoying life with her three dogs. 

Education

BA English, 1992  
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, 1999 
Ph.D. Educational Leadership, 2009